Sewage Spill Shuts Down Stretch Of Laguna Beach July 4 Weekend

LAGUNA BEACH, CA — A stretch of Laguna Beach coastline was re-opened Sunday after a 2,000-gallon sewage spill polluted the city's pristine waters.

The closure had been in effect a quarter-mile in each direction of Anita Street at Thalia Beach, according to the Orange County Health Care Agency's Environmental Health Division.

The spill was caused by a malfunction of a force main sewer line pump, officials said.

"The affected ocean water area will remain closed to ocean water contact sports for a minimum of three days and until the results of follow-up water quality monitoring meet acceptable standards," the agency said Thursday, meaning it was closed for the July 4 holiday.

"We've removed the Ocean Water Closure from Anita Street Beach in #LagunaBeach," the OCHCA posted Sunday on X. "Bacterial levels have met health standards."

Information regarding Orange County ocean, bay or harbor postings and closures can be found at OCBeachinfo.com, or 714-433-6400. To report a sewage spill, the public is advised to call 714-433-6419.